Britain donates £40 mln in humanitarian aid to Sudan
March 19, 2008 (LONDON) — United Kingdom International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander today announced a further £40 million in humanitarian UK aid for Sudan.
The British government will provide a further £40 million to the UN’s Common Humanitarian Fund for Sudan in 2008. “We are channelling our funding through this mechanism as it allows the UN the greatest flexibility to target funds to where the need is greatest.” Douglas said.
This is the third year of operation for the Common Humanitarian Fund for Sudan. It has been set up to give the UN Humanitarian Coordinator the authority and resources to be able to meet her top priorities in the 2008 Work Plan for Sudan. It will mean she can target funds at the most critical needs, encourage early donor contributions and respond rapidly to unforeseen needs.
The scale of humanitarian challenge in Sudan is immense. In Darfur alone, 2.5 million people have been displaced, 80,000 this year alone, largely as a result of the ongoing violence in West Darfur. Over 4 million people, two-thirds of the region’s population, have been affected by the conflict and rely on international assistance.
The British minister urged all parties to stop “the horrific violence that is causing widespread displacement and humanitarian need.”
He further called on other donors to respond as generously as they can to this continuing and urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
“The coming months will be crucial for humanitarian agencies to respond to needs and pre-position supplies, before the rains arrive in June and movement becomes difficult. The international community must provide early and adequate finance to sustain the massive humanitarian response needed in Darfur and in other parts of Sudan.” He said
(ST)